How does adoption affect the extended family?

Adoption has a profound impact on the extended family of the adopted child. In California, as in other states, adoption changes legal relationships between the child and their extended family members like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. These family members, though they may continue to share a close relationship with the adopted child, will no longer share the same legal rights and privileges associated with the role of a family member. The adoptive family’s immediate relatives -- such as parents, siblings, and grandparents -- will now be the child’s legal family. This means that their rights and responsibilities in the child’s life are the same as if the child were their biological offspring. This could mean that the extended family is limited in their contact with the child and have no legal authority over decisions such as schooling or medical care. On the other hand, in some cases adoption can open up a close relationship between the adoptive family and the extended family. The adopted child may have additional support from grandparents, aunts, and uncles, which could greatly benefit the child. Additionally, the laws of California allow the adopted child to maintain contact with the birth family, if desired. This offers the opportunity for extended family members to be a part of the adoptive family’s life and to maintain a strong relationship with the adopted child. In summary, adoption has a significant effect on the extended family of the adopted child. Depending on the situation, it can either limit contact between the child and the extended family, or open up an even closer relationship than before.

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How does adoption affect the extended family?

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